Sixty-five representatives from networks of rural NGOs and people’s organizations from nine countries in Southeast and East Asia gathered in Cagayan de Oro City from June 28 to July to participate in the 3rd Regional Training Workshop under the project entitled: “Linking Small Farmers to Market.” Participating countries include, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and the Philippines. The event was organized by AsiaDHRRA in partnership with PhilDHRRA with funding support from the ASEAN Foundation.

PhilDHRRA, the in-country anchor for LSFM in the Philippines, hosted the event and provided a festive welcome dinner on the evening of day one, featuring a traditional Manobo dance number performed by selected students of the Bayanga National Highschool of Cagayan de Oro City. Ms. Rachel Polestico, Northern Mindanao Cluster member, was the master of ceremony assisted by Mr. Luther Labitad, SEARSOLIN staff

In solidarity with the network, Northern Mindanao cluster members showed their active involvement by providing support to the secretariat in hosting the dinner. AsiaDHRRA delegates surprisingly showed their talents by rendering a song and dance numbers depicting their diverse background and culture. The Northern Mindanao cluster also presented a bisayan song rendition to the group with an english translation after each line in a song. Delegates from participating countries joyfully embraced the camaraderie and friendship between and among participants during the party. The party ended with a lively dancing performance of the group led by a dance instructor hired by Ms. Polestico for the occasion.